Supreme Court Orders Immediate Restoration of Internet Services and Normal Metro Operations

The Supreme Court has ordered the immediate restoration of internet services and directed authorities not to shut down metro stations or restrict public movement without major law-and-order challenges.

Hearing multiple petitions concerning protests by the Cockroach Janta Party, the bench issued an interim order stating that metro operations must remain normal unless a significant threat arises, and directed Delhi Police to remove barricades across the city for review.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the court that out of 303 metro stations, 45 had been shut down on Saturday. Directing officials to submit a detailed map showing the closed stations to assess the impact on commuters, the court questioned how the police actions aligned with Articles 19 and 21, following a Public Interest Litigation seeking judicial review of mobile internet suspensions around Janpath and Kartavya Path.

The bench also issued a show-cause contempt notice to the Delhi Police Commissioner, asking why contempt proceedings should not be initiated for failing to comply with an October 9 order directing that public transport and metro stations not be disturbed. Responses have been sought by Tuesday.

Addressing the detention of citizens during demonstrations, the court held that individuals engaged in peaceful protests cannot be illegally detained. The bench further noted that lawyers must not be prevented from carrying out their professional duties, following submissions from Senior Advocate Shadan Farasat and other counsels who raised concerns over the movement of citizens and reported incidents of lawyers being dragged and forced into buses.